Cat Climbing and Scratching System

Abstract

One embodiment of a symmetrical elongated device for a cat to climb and of the type having a length of rope (16) that communicates with the board (10) through the holes (14A-D). The board (10) may be solid or hollow and may be stiff or flexible. In addition, a length of webbing (18) communicates with the board (10) through the slots (14A and 14B). The webbing (18) is secured to the board (10) using fabric hook and loop fasteners that are firmly attached to the webbing (18). The device mounts on a door using a lasso method wherein the device along with the webbing (18) create a loop which goes completely around the door and is pulled tight. The spacers (22) provide additional stability for the device when attached to a door.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS [0001]Not ApplicableFEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH [0002]Not ApplicableSEQUENCE LISTING OR PROGRAM [0003]Not ApplicableBACKGROUND[0004]1. Field of Invention[0005]This invention relates to animal exerciser or toy, specifically to a cat climbing and scratching system.[0006]2. Prior Art[0007]Pet product suppliers commonly provide pet owners with a selection of products intended to give domesticated cats a surface for scratching to maintain their claws and protect furniture. While many products in the marketplace suffice for this requirement of cats, none adequately addresses an equally important need that cats have: to exercise in the form of climbing.[0008]Indoor cats are especially vulnerable to the many negative side-effects resulting from a lack of exercise. Just as in humans, lack of exercise in cats can lead to unhealthy weight gain and loss of muscle tone leading to poor health and a shorter life expectancy. For young cats, especially, unexp...

AI Technical Summary

Problems solved by technology

While many products in the marketplace suffice for this requirement of cats, none adequately addresses an equally important need that cats have: to exercise in the form of climbing.

Indoor cats are especially vulnerable to the many negative side-effects resulting from a lack of exercise.

Just as in humans, lack of exercise in cats can lead to unhealthy weight gain and loss of muscle tone leading to poor health and a shorter life expectancy.

For young cats, especially, unexpended pent-up energy often leads to behaviours that are destructive to indoor surfaces.

Originally cat owners wishing to provide their pets with an indoor climbing opportunity have had no adequate options.

Those that do provide a vertical climb do so at the expense of interior space functionality and integrity or are complicated and expensive to construct.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,450,819 to Gray (1995) shows an elongated device wrapped with rope; however, the device is not designed for climbing but only for clawing at the rope to get at the catnip.

The device appears overly complicated and would likely be too expensive for mass-market consumption.

This device does not provide a vertical climb for a cat but only a series of perches or steps.

While it may in part fulfill that intention, the device impedes the function of the door since it attaches to the inside of the door frame.

It also has the potential to leave significant marks on the door frame due to its use of clamps for installation.

In addition, it appears complicated to construct and difficult to install and remove.

These take up floor space and do not provide a true climbing experience for a cat.

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